Banana Pudding
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Posted: 10/21/24
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Craving a nostalgic and creamy dessert? Banana Pudding is a classic combination of sweet bananas, vanilla wafers, and a creamy custard filling. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Creamy, rich, and flavorful, this easy banana pudding recipe is a total game changer! The crunchy texture of nilla wafers with the creamy pudding and bananas is just delightful. It’s no wonder this is a dessert that has stood the test of time and is popular almost everywhere! This recipe tastes so incredible, even with the super simple ingredients that it calls for. It’s proof that you don’t have to have a crazy long list of ingredients to make a good dessert.
When I have ripe bananas, I love to make banana bread or peanut butter banana muffins but it’s great to use them is this dessert too. If you’re looking for the best banana pudding recipe, then you’ve come to the right place! Whip up this sweet treat in just a few easy steps and then serve at your next party.
Why You’ll Love this Banana Pudding Recipe
- This is a classic and nostalgic recipe that everyone will enjoy! Who doesn’t love banana pudding? It’s just so tasty!
- Banana pudding is actually really easy to make. Even if you’re not experienced in the kitchen, you can whip up a yummy batch of this dessert.
- Bring homemade banana pudding to any potluck or party. It’s a crowd-favorite and serves tons of people!
Ingredients for Banana Pudding
- Whipped topping – You can make some homemade whipped cream from heavy cream to use in this recipe as well. But cool whip may be a bit more sturdy for banana pudding.
- Cold milk – It is important to use cold milk so that this pudding stays extra cold while mixing everything together. I prefer whole milk, but 2% or something else will work!
- Vanilla wafers – This is the classic cookie to make a delicious banana pudding.
- Bananas – I recommend using bananas that are a little browned. Ones that have a few brown spots have a the perfect sweet banana flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Make your homemade banana pudding perfectly creamy with a can of sweetened condensed milk.
- Vanilla extract – This adds depth of flavor to this classic dessert that everyone knows and loves!
- Instant vanilla pudding mix – To reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, feel free to use sugar free pudding mix.
Helpful Tools
How to Make Banana Pudding
Pour the cold milk and pudding mix into a large bowl and beat with a whisk for 2 minutes. Then blend in condensed milk with an electric mixer until smooth.
Stir in vanilla, then fold in the whipped topping.
Layer ¼ of the wafers then ¼ of the banana slices, then layer ¼ of the pudding mixture in a glass serving dish or trifle bowl. Repeat this process 3 more times.
Chill the banana pudding in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
When ready to serve, top the final layer of pudding with extra crushed wafers and/or bananas and enjoy.
How to Store Banana Pudding
Cover your serving bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftover banana pudding to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the bananas will begin to turn brown and the vanilla wafer cookies will get soggy the longer leftover banana pudding is stored.
How do I keep sliced bananas from turning brown in banana pudding?
To slow the browning process of sliced ripe bananas, toss them in a bit of lemon juice before building the dessert. It may change the flavor slightly, but not too much as long as you use a small amount of juice.
Does banana pudding contain dairy?
Yes, this banana pudding recipe does contain dairy. While the instant pudding mix does not have dairy, the sweetened condensed milk is dairy. However, you can make a dairy free version of this recipe by grabbing a can of dairy-free sweetened condensed milk.
What to Serve with Banana Pudding
This nostalgic and classic dessert pairs wonderfully with so many different dishes! Serve it after a super tasty meal of blackened chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans with bacon.
And of course it’s always welcome at potlucks and backyard BBQs. It’d be the best dessert to serve after favorites like cheesy ham casserole, rodeo burgers, and Greek pasta salad. No matter what you serve it with, this classic southern banana pudding recipe is life changing!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Pudding
- Make individual servings of banana pudding by building the layers in wine glass, ramekins, or small dessert dishes. Then place them all on a sheet pan to easily transfer to the fridge.
- It is important to make sure you have storage space in the fridge! This banana pudding needs to chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Don’t make the banana pudding too early before you plan to serve or the cookies will get mushy and bananas will brown.
This nostalgic dessert will have you coming back for seconds! It’s a classic sweet treat that truly will never get old.
More Banana dessert Recipes
- No Bake Banana Cream Pie is a life changing dessert. Ok, that may be a bit dramatic but wow is it tasty!
- These easy Banana Bars are such a yummy treat loaded with flavor.
- Summertime just got way more refreshing with this quick Banana Split recipe. You’re gonna love it!
- Skip the store-bought popsicles and make these amazing homemade Strawberry Banana Popsicles instead.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Banana Pudding
Quick and easy Banana Pudding is a creamy, dreamy dessert with layers of soft bananas, vanilla wafers, and a rich custard filling, this classic treat is a comforting and satisfying indulgence.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounce each)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
- 16 ounces vanilla wafers
- 5 bananas sliced
Instructions
- Place milk and pudding mix in a large bowl; beat with a whisk for 2 minutes. Blend in condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla, then fold in whipped topping.
- Layer ¼ of the wafers then ¼ of the banana slices then ¼ of the pudding mixture in a glass serving bowl. Repeat this process 3 more times.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, top with extra crushed wafers and/or bananas and enjoy.
Tips
Cover your serving bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftover banana pudding to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the bananas will begin to turn brown and the vanilla wafer cookies will get soggy the longer leftover banana pudding is stored.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 395kcal (20%), Carbohydrates: 66g (22%), Protein: 7g (14%), Fat: 12g (18%), Saturated Fat: 6g (38%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 21mg (7%), Sodium: 231mg (10%), Potassium: 424mg (12%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 43g (48%), Vitamin A: 235IU (5%), Vitamin C: 5mg (6%), Calcium: 177mg (18%), Iron: 0.2mg (1%)
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